Augusta Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When a motorist and a cyclist collide, the bicycle rider usually gets the worst of it. The lack of protection afforded to cyclists is apparent from the severity of their injuries, which often have life-long consequences and, in extreme cases, could even be fatal.

If you sustained an injury in a collision between a vehicle and your bike, reach out to a seasoned personal injury attorney right away. With the help of a skilled Augusta bicycle accident lawyer, you may be able to recover monetary compensation for your losses.

Cyclist Regulations in Augusta

For the most part, the general rules of the road apply to both cyclists and motorists. Regulations regarding obeying traffic signals or yielding the right-of-way apply to cyclists as much as they do car or truck operators. However, there are some regulations in Georgia that apply specifically to bike riders.

For example, the Official Code of Georgia §40-6-294 regulates cyclists riding alongside each other on Augusta roadways. Unlike drivers, cyclists are allowed to ride side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. While only two cyclists may ride abreast on public streets, more riders can ride side-by-side in designated bike lanes or any roadway exclusive to cyclists.

Additionally, per O.C.G.A. §40-6-56, drivers that pass a cyclist on the left must leave a “safe distance” between the two vehicles, which the statute defines as at least three feet. If an Augusta bicycle accident attorney can establish that a driver violated this statute and caused a wreck, they could have the evidence of negligence needed to prevail at trial.

Finally, O.C.G.A. §40-6-55 creates a legal right-of-way for cyclists in a designated bike lane. Drivers are required by law to yield to cyclists in a bike lane at all times. Contact a knowledgeable lawyer to learn more about cyclist regulations and how they could impact an injury claim.

Damages Available in a Bike Accident Lawsuit

When a cyclist is injured by a negligent driver, they could collect a variety of damages depending on the specifics of their claim. A bicycle crash lawyer in Augusta could review an injured cyclist’s medical bills and other expenses to determine their potential damages in an injury claim.

Medical Bills

Injuries frequently pile up after a bike accident. Through the filing of an injury suit, a cyclist could recover some of their medical expenses from the party responsible for the accident.

Bicycle Repair Costs

Bikes rarely come out of a collision with a motor vehicle in working condition. A plaintiff has the right to seek compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing a bike damaged in a wreck.

Disability

Sometimes, serious injuries can result in disability and require in-home care. An individual may need to hire caretakers, purchasing mobility devices, or even make home modifications to make the home functional for wheelchairs. The plaintiff may also seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, or a decreased quality of life.

Contact an Augusta Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle accidents can have serious consequences, but that does not mean there is no chance of recovery. Many bike-related injuries can result in a clean bill of health over time, and a personal injury lawsuit could help you meet the cost of treatment.

Taking on the driver responsible for your bike wreck can be time-consuming. Fortunately, you do not have to do it alone. Call an Augusta bicycle accident lawyer today for help working on your claim.